Keeping the Faith in Sustainable Peace : Women of faith take the global stage at the United Nationals General Assembly

18 September, 2018, New York: The role of women of faith in sustaining peace is the subject of a side event that will be held on 20 September at the United Nations in New York on the margins of the 73rdGeneral Assembly. The side event is organized by the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), the United Nations Interagency Task Force on Religion and the European Union.

The event will bring together women of faith who are working towards peace and reconciliation in conflict situations in various world regions, UN diplomats and national policymakers to reference and acknowledge the efforts of women of faith in ending conflicts and building peace

Religious leaders can be critical agents of change in a global context where 80 percent of the world’s population has a religious affiliation. In this context, women of faith play an essential role in the various aspects and areas of sustaining peace and their stories are slowly emerging. However, their voices tend to be less heard, and their work and achievements less visible than those of other actors.

This event aims to provide a platform for women from different faiths and denominations to showcase on the global policy table their contributions and aspirations as agents of peace and social transformation. It also provides an opportunity to policymakers to engage and exchange views on how to developed synergies with women of faith on issues of common concern , including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.